Alachua County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 19-year-old suspect on attempted murder and domestic battery charges Wednesday morning in Gainesville.
According to an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) release, deputies responded to the report of a battery in the 1100 block of SE 41st Drive early Wednesday morning.
Upon arrival, the deputies located the victim, who was distressed and reported a violent altercation with Michael Tyree-Gardner, 19. The victim told deputies that Tyree-Gardner became aggressive and made threats during their argument and, while trying to de-escalate the situation, the victim retreated to another room and locked the door.
Tyree-Gardner then reportedly forced entry into the locked room by kicking the door open and physically assaulted the victim. During the attack, the suspect allegedly made death threats and applied pressure to the victim’s neck, along with obstructing their ability to breathe by covering the victim’s nose and mouth. The suspect allegedly punched the victim multiple times.
The victim was able to escape and armed themselves with a knife and called for help. Tyree-Gardner fled the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Law enforcement conducted a search for Tyler-Gardner and, just before 8 a.m., deputies observed him returning to the area. A perimeter was established, and he was taken into custody without incident in the 1900 block of SE 35th Street.
Tyree-Gardner was arrested and charged with domestic battery by strangulation and attempted murder. He is being held in the Alachua County Jail without bond.